Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Build 1km pool swim base
4–8 weeks (3× per week)
Swim 1km continuously in a pool without stopping. Pool swimming teaches pacing and technique in a controlled environment before you add open water variables. Aim for consistent 100m splits — a swimmer who can hold 2:00/100m for 10 lengths is ready to start open water acclimatisation.
Proof required
Submit: (1) pool swim log showing 3+ consecutive 1km swims in the past 4 weeks; (2) note of your average 100m split from the most recent swim.
What gets checked
- All three 1km swims are continuous — no wall-hanging rests between lengths
- 100m split is recorded from a watch or pool clock — not estimated
- Log covers a minimum 4-week window showing consistency, not just three recent sessions
Common mistakes
- Jumping into open water before establishing a pool base — the cold and waves amplify panic in an already-tired swimmer
- Inconsistent pool attendance and then attempting 1km open water on reduced fitness
Powstik Guide
Three continuous 1km pool swims in four weeks.
Steps
- Check with a doctor first if you have a health condition.
- Swim 1km without stopping.
- Repeat three times in four weeks.
- Note your average 100m pace.
Template
| Date | Distance | Time | Avg per 100m | |------|----------|------|--------------|
What gets sent back
- Missing sessions.
- No GPS or device data.
- Log filled in later.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check that log shows 3 separate sessions spanning at least 4 weeks
- Verify split times are from a watch or pool timer — not self-estimated
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Complete first open water acclimatisation swims
3–4 weeks
Complete three open water sessions of at least 400m each, wearing a wetsuit if the water is below 16°C. Focus on sighting (lifting your head every 10 strokes to navigate), acclimatisation to cold, and managing the disorientation of no lane lines. Swim in a permitted venue with a safety marshal or buddy.
Proof required
Submit: (1) GPS track from watch or tow float device showing route and distance for all three swims; (2) note of water temperature and wetsuit use for each session.
What gets checked
- GPS track shows the swim route — not just start/end points with a straight line
- Water temperature is recorded — not omitted
- All swims are at a permitted open water venue with safety supervision noted
Common mistakes
- Swimming alone without a safety buddy or marshal — never acceptable in open water
- Ignoring cold shock on the first entry and pushing pace — acclimatisation requires slow initial entries
Powstik Guide
Three open-water swims of at least 400m each, GPS tracked.
Steps
- Swim at a supervised venue, never alone.
- Wear a wetsuit if the water is under 16°C.
- Practise sighting every six to eight strokes.
- Use a tow float and track each swim.
Template
| # | Date | Venue | Water temp | Distance | Wetsuit? | Note on sighting | |---|------|-------|------------|----------|----------|------------------|
What gets sent back
- Fewer than three swims.
- No GPS track.
- Swimming alone or at an unsupervised spot.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check GPS track actually shows an open water route — not a pool or treadmill
- Verify safety supervision is mentioned — solo swims without safety support are disqualifying
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Finish a 1km open water event
1 day (event)
Complete a 1km open water swim at a permitted organised event — a club time trial, a local open water race, or a monitored charity swim counts. An organised event ensures course measurement and safety cover. Submit your official finish confirmation or results entry.
Proof required
Submit: (1) official finish certificate, results screenshot, or event confirmation showing your name, event name, distance, and date; (2) GPS track of the swim if available.
What gets checked
- Event confirmation shows a real organised event — not a solo swim you measured yourself
- Distance is stated as 1km or greater on the event documentation
- Safety supervision is inherent in the event context (organised open water events require it)
Common mistakes
- Counting a solo self-measured swim as the 1km event — the event context is the proof
- Attempting an event without the acclimatisation and pool base in M1–M2
Powstik Guide
An official finish at a 1km open water event.
Steps
- Check with a doctor first if you have a health condition.
- Enter an organised event with safety cover.
- Sight regularly and swim your pace.
- Save your finish record.
Template
Event: Date: Time: Result/certificate link:
What gets sent back
- Solo unsupervised swim.
- Name not on results.
- Under 1km.
Resources
Foundationstart here
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm the event is organised — not self-measured
- Check the distance is 1km minimum on official documentation
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.